Improving Dyeability of Cotton Fabric for Vat Dyes

Abstract

Cationization of cotton is an effective tool that solves environmental problems by using vat dyes. In this research, the cationizing efficiency of Cibafix WFF and PrefixK are studied to replace toxic conventional redox agents with ecofriendly alternatives. It is found to be a better method when compared with the conventional and existing method of vat dyeing of cotton. Conditions, such as concentration of cationizing agents, time, temperature and pH, are optimized. Such conditions show better color strength when compared with conventional dyeing methods. The effect of cationization on color strength and fastness is observed, and show higher value in both light and dark shades. The cationized samples show comparable quality and are cheaper in cost when compared with the normal vat dyeing method. Cationization of cotton with Cibafix WFF is found to be a successfully and commercially viable process.